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Thursday, July 23, 2015

A proper exercise program is essential to a healthy life. However, people with foot issues have special concerns that must be addressed. Here, Dr. William Knudson answers questions about how to keep feet pain-free in the gym.

Q: What type of shoe is best for working out?

Dr. William Knudson: A well-made cross trainer athletic shoe is ideal. There are, however, differences from brand to brand. Shoes should be purchased in an athletic footwear store where the feet can be measured accurately and any biomechanical issues taken into account.

Q: Why have I heard that diabetics should wear white socks?

Dr. William Knudson: We recommend white socks for people with foot problems, especially diabetes, because white allows the wearer to see any stains, such as blood. Many diabetics don't have as much sensation in the feet as they should and may not feel a problem, but will immediately see fluids that can indicate issues.

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Foot damage can begin as early as your 40s, says Dr. William Knudson. However, easing arthritic foot pain is a life-long process.

People entering their midlife may find that certain aspects of aging are not as relaxing as they’d hoped, says Dr. William Knudson. Years of overuse can take its toll on the feet. Feet began to show signs of wear as early as the 40s. There are, fortunately, steps that can be taken to negate the damage.

According to Dr. William Knudson, the first line of defense is to open up a conversation with your doctor. A qualified podiatrist or rheumatologist should be consulted at least once a year past the age of 45. More frequent exams may be needed if you’re experiencing foot pain.

Dr. William Knudson also recommends spending a little extra money on high-quality, supportive footwear. High heels and flip-flops should be worn sparingly as they put undue pressure on the balls of the feet. Choose a shoe that is wide enough to accommodate the foot without pressing on calluses or bunions.

Thursday, December 25, 2014

With temperatures dropping across the country, now is the time for snow boots and winter coats. Here, Dr. William Knudson offers patients a few pieces of advice about maintaining the health of their feet this winter.

Q: When patients arrive in your office, with which type of foot problems are they typically presenting?

Dr. William Knudson:
Most of my patients deal with extremely dry skin in the winter months.
In the medical community, seasonal eczema has been proven to affect heels, toes and cuticles. One of the most effective ways for my patients to prevent dry skin is to have a regular pedicure. This routine helps to keep the feet moisturized while removing dead skin.

Q: What other methods might be productive for your patients?

Dr. William Knudson: One recommendation is the Healthy Feet Duo Kit, which features a foot cream and foot scrub. These items can help lock in moisture and keep feet from experiencing any major health issues or conditions.

Friday, November 28, 2014

Cracks in the feet, regularly referred to as heel fissures among the
medical community, are often experienced by people of all ages and
fitness levels. As a benefit to his patients and people around the
world, notable podiatrist Dr. William Knudson provides a few simple tips on how to address this condition and prevent it from becoming a major challenge.

Q: What have you found to be the common causes of cracked feet among your patients?

Dr. William Knudson: The common causes of cracked feet include wearing improper footwear, being overweight, continuous exposure to water, cold weather, using harsh soaps, or standing for long hours. Any or all of these causes may lead to a painful, uncomfortable result.

Q: Are there certain medical conditions that may contribute to cracked feet?

Dr. William Knudson: Yes - conditions like diabetes, thyroid disease, psoriasis and eczema may be contributing factors that result in cracked feet.

Monday, October 6, 2014

According to Dr. William Knudson,
patients with diabetes have an increased risk of ulcers and damage to
the feet. These issues can include bunions, calluses, fungal infections,
dryness of the skin, and ingrown toenails. However, many
diabetes-related foot problems can be prevented by good control of blood
sugar levels combined with appropriate care of the feet, says Dr.
Knudson.

Q: How does diabetes cause foot problems?

Dr. William Knudson:
Diabetes causes damage to blood vessels and peripheral nerves in the
legs and feet. Peripheral artery disease and peripheral neuropathy are
responsible for foot problems in people with diabetes.

Q: What is an example of the more severe cases of foot problems caused by diabetes?

Dr. William Knudson: Ulcers may develop. If the tissues continue to receive insufficient oxygen, tissue death or gangrene occurs. Gangrene is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Other potentially serious problems include cellulitis and osteomyelitis.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

The patients of Dr. William Knudson
may be in for a rude awakening after a whole summer of putting on the
right footwear. Here, he offers his personal perspective on flip-flops
and sandals.

Q: What is your patients’ experiences with sandals and flip-flops?

Dr. William Knudson:
Flip-flops come in all different styles and colors, with college logos,
flowers, spangles and a variety of adornments. They’re the most
prominent formof footwear during the summer months. Fashionable and fun, sandals and flip-flops during the summer are quite popular with all ages. Flip-flop safety is required, though. Wearers can experience foot discomfort and pain due to sprained ankles, tendinitis, arch support or any number of issues.

Q: Why are sandals and flip-flops potentially harmful for a person’s feet?

Dr. William Knudson: Most sandals and flip-flops offer no shock absorption, heel cushioning, or arch support. Even though they may arrive on store shelves in eye-catching shades like lime green and hot pink, flip-flops aren’t quite so attractive after a long, sleepless night troubled by aching feet. People shouldn’t be so quick to toss away their pumps, sneakers and wingtips once the temperature rises.

Sunday, March 30, 2014

As an experienced foot specialist, Dr. William Knudson has given tremendous insight to parents with young children at his practice, Podiatric Care of Northern Virginia.

Q: How early is too early for me to buy my baby a new pair of shoes?

Dr. William Knudson:
For newborn infants, barefoot is the way to go. Shoes for newborns have
proven to be quite popular with parents, but socks or booties are truly
the most comfortable protection for a child in his or her first few
months.

Q: When my child is ready for a new pair of shoes, what should I keep in mind?

Dr. William Knudson:
The most important aspect for a toddler’s shoes are soft soles.
Children need flexibility when wiggling their toes and toddling across
the carpet. At this stage, an infant is still learning how to walk
properly.

About Dr. William Knudson

Dr. William Knudson is a general podiatrist practicing in Leesburg, Virginia, at Podiatric Care of Northern Virginia. There, Dr. William Knudson cares for patients suffering from a variety of foot and ankle related issues such as fractures, sprains, and nuisance issues like corns and callouses. As well, Dr. Knudson is skilled in areas of geriatric and pediatric podiatry.

A 1995 graduate of Chicago’s William Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, Dr. William Knudson has not only the experience but also the education to treat his patients with the best care available. Dr. William Knudson has been recognized many times throughout his career as a leading expert in his field and is a Fellow in the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He joins only about 6,000 other podiatrist nationwide in this honor.

Dr. William Knudson Blogroll

About Dr. William Knudson

Dr. William Knudson is a Board Certified Podiatrist and a member of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Dr. William Knudson cares for patients of all ages at the well-established Podiatric Care of Northern Virginia.